Joshua Kimmich extends contract with Bayern Munich until 2023

Joshua Kimmich

Bayern Munich's right-back Joshua Kimmich on Friday extended his contract for three seasons, meaning he is to stay with the record German football champions until 2023. The German international said he was proud to stick at Bayern, according to a statement from the club, reports Efe. "I'm very happy I've extended my contract so early. It shows the club and the officials have a lot of trust in me and see me as an important factor for FC Bayern's long-term success," the 23-year-old said.

The defender, a replacement for legendary club captain Philipp Lahm, has made 109 competitive appearances for Bayern since he joined from Leipzig in the 2015/16 season, scoring 13 goals so far. Bayern's chairman, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, welcomed the news and said Kimmich's progress in the club's back-line had set the German giants on a positive path. "Over the last two and a half years, Joshua has developed into a mainstay of our team," Rummenigge said. "That's why we're extremely pleased we've secured his services for the long term. Thanks to his exceptionally positive progress in the right-back position, FC Bayern has achieved a seamless transition to the future."

Bayern lead the Bundesliga 2017-18 by 20 points, while they face Turkish outfit Besiktas in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League pre-quarterfinals.

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